Yes, please. I would dearly love to have an antique garden ornament this lovely to delight my eye when I look outside. via
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Webster and Tabitha Together
It's very hard to get a decent photo of these two together but somehow I managed on a sunny day last week. As you can see, Tabitha is on her throne ignoring poor Webster but he doesn't mind. He's always happy to be in her presence and he happily lets her rule the roost.
An Amazing Animated Gif
This dot line wave reminds me how my stomach feels right now. I've been up for hours but still haven't had my breakfast. The animals have been fed and now it's my turn. See you later. xo
Monday, June 1, 2015
Hydrangea Explosion
image source
These are not Limelight hydrangeas, the variety I planted this year. My two bushes were just bare sticks with not much greenery when I planted them almost a month ago but now they are covered with lots of vigorous new growth and are thriving in the front and the back yards. I don't know if mine will bloom this year but they are on their way to becoming large bushes and I am thrilled. I have watered them daily and really babied them while they were in shock after being potbound. My plants were last year's stock and their roots were really packed. I untangled them and fed them lots of blue water almost daily. I followed my grandmother's advice too. She always said to plant a 50 cent plant in a $5.00 hole. The holes I dug were wide and deep and full of big rocks that I had to remove with my pickaxe. If you put in the effort when you plant something you will almost be guaranteed that you will have a successful growth. I mulched my plants too with wood chips to hold in the moisture. These plants are supposed to bloom on new growth so I am hopeful mine will too. Fingers crossed. I'm sure they are enjoying the rainy weather we had yesterday and last night with more on the way. Here is a very exciting HGTV article about Limelight Hydrangeas. Now I have high hopes that mine will bloom this year. I'm so glad I have them.
TV over the Fireplace
I usually don't like flat screen tv screens above a fireplace but I really like this arrangement. The whole room is fabulous, isn't it? via
I recently entered the 21st century because I finally have a small (21") flat screen in my living room and I love it. Now I wonder why I didn't get one earlier. I have it on a small antique piece beside my fireplace in the same place I had my ancient fat 13" set from the dark ages. When I am sitting on my sofa it lines up with my eyes and my sight of vision perfectly. If I had it on my mantle I would have to put my chin up and head back and look up and that would be awkward. I think there is a formula you are supposed to use based on the distance between where you sit and the screen. Mine is the perfect size and it's perfectly located as well as being very unobtrusive whether it's on or off. I'm thrilled because as you all know, I'm a big TV person. xo
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Tintern Cottage in Wales
via
The hillside vegetation is trying to take over the lawn and the wonderful old cottage too. It's a constant battle, isn't it? We are having a nice soaking shower before the sun goes down so it will be a nice cool night for sleeping. I hope I can find something to watch on my DVR because there's nothing to watch on TV. I'll be glad when the summer programs start up. It's rare when there's nothing good playing on PBS. Next week we have the first episode of Poldark so things are looking up in June. xo
Multiflora Rose - So Invasive
The woods and the wetlands surrounding my rear property are being overtaken by this invasive species. The multiflora roses are in full bloom right now and they have a delightful flower and a wonderful fragrance. I have spent countless hours cutting them back so their wicked thorns don't grab me when I mow. Here's a little history of this Asian, non-native plant. It reminds me of the Kudzu that has overtaken the South.
Background: Multiflora rose was introduced to the eastern United States in 1866 as rootstock for ornamental roses. Beginning in the 1930s, the U.S. Soil Conservation Service promoted it for use in erosion control and as “living fences” to confine livestock. State conservation departments recommended multiflora rose as cover for wildlife. More recently, it has been planted in highway median strips to serve as crash barriers and reduce automobile headlight glare. Its tenacious growth habit was eventually recognized as a problem on pastures and unplowed lands, where it disrupted cattle grazing, and, more recently, as a pest of natural ecosystems. It is designated a noxious weed in several states, including Iowa, Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Distribution and Habitat: Multiflora rose occurs throughout the eastern half of the United States and in Washington and Oregon. It tolerates a wide range of soil, moisture and light conditions and is able to invade fields, forests, prairies, some wetlands and many other habitats.
Ecological Threat: Multiflora rose grows aggressively and produces large numbers of fruits (hips) that are eaten and dispersed by a variety of birds. Dense thickets of multiflora rose exclude most native shrubs and herbs from establishing and may be detrimental to nesting of native birds.
Continue reading here. My photo.
IMPACT ON FORESTRY AND FORESTERSContinue reading here. My photo.
On Forestry: Multiflora rose readily invades forest edges, open woodlands and plantations especially where there has been land disturbance. It can form dense thickets, replace native vegetation and inhibit regeneration of trees.
On Foresters: This plant forms impenetrable, thorny thickets that make forestry work difficult and painful. The hooked thorns are known to puncture vehicle tires (YIKES) as well as inflict deep gashes in unprotected human skin. information found here.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
My Peonies Have Popped
It is cool and overcast this morning, perfect for photographing my peony patch. My white ones with the huge yellow centers are in full bloom. I can still look forward to the pink ones on the right and the magenta ones on the left that are still in the tight bud stage. Have a great weekend! xo
Mozart Locket Sold at Sothebys
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
LOCK OF THE COMPOSER'S FAIR HAIR, CONTAINED IN A 19th CENTURY GILT LOCKET, WITH A 19th CENTURY MANUSCRIPT NOTE OF PROVENANCE. SOLD. 35,000 GBP
See auction post here, scroll down for description.
Friday, May 29, 2015
Daisy Portrait
I have one lone daisy in my meadow so far. I snapped this pic on my walk with Webster yesterday evening.
A House Wren in My Bird Bottle
I have several of these handmade redware pottery bird bottles from Colonial Williamsburg hanging on my house. This one is on the back of my cottage so I can see and enjoy it from my balcony. It was fun watching the nest building earlier in the spring. Want one? Order here while they have free shipping. The two centuries old HISTORY behind these authentic bird bottles can be read here. Enjoy!
I got as close as I could with my iPhone in hand before Jenny Wren flew away. I promise not to bother her again while she hatches her babies. If you want to see an old blog post of mine with a photo of a bird nest I removed from one of these bottles on the front of my house, click here. I had to remove it when I had my cottage painted two years ago.
PS--I woke up earlier than ever this morning. Sigh.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Early To Bed
via
Good Night Sweet Friends. Sleep Tight. xo
For some reason I've been waking up way too early lately and my mind starts racing immediately. I don't have any personal problems, but lots of real estate issues prior to a closing next month. This dog looks the way I feel when I fall into bed each evening. Early to bed and early to rise isn't really my preferred style but that's the way my body has been working lately. I'll be glad when it decides to return to normal.
Angel Keeping Watch Over A Grave
This lichen covered antique marble angel is so very lovely. She's looking over someone's departed earth angel. via
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Old Westbury Gardens, the former Phipps Estate on Long Island
There is a wonderful photo tour of the Phipps Estate and Gardens on The New York Social Diary. There are photos showing winter and summer views and it's fabulous. One of my friends toured this mansion and others on The Gold Coast of Long Island recently and she enjoyed this one especially.
Now that summer is almost here, snow seems like a vague memory, doesn't it?
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Gorgeous Home that Needs Some Pruning
This beautiful home is on the verge of being overgrown. I'm really into pruning and thinning and clipping so I could easily take this on and really enjoy it. via
Monday, May 25, 2015
A Garage with a Porch
Is this a cottage? No, it's a garage.
How very clever. See the rest of the Pinewold Cottage complex here. Isn't it wonderful? What a place to celebrate Memorial Day. Have a good one. xo
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Poppies for Memorial Day
In Flander's Field by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
From an old blog post of mine.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
A Lovely Scene in the English Countryside
I honestly can't tell if the gentleman on the tractor is driving the sheep or trying to get around them. Either way, this photograph is wonderful. Just look at that newly plowed field in the background! via
Happy Caturday from Tabitha
Tabitha went back to bed this morning. It's really chilly outside so she's cozy, warm and happy on top of my woolen blanket. It went down to 45° last night but the sun's out and it will be in the low 70s later. I am still wearing my flannel pajamas and it's great sleeping weather. Have a great Memorial Day weekend. Be safe xo
Friday, May 22, 2015
An Impressive Entrance w/ Screen Door
This has to be the best door surround I have ever seen. I really like the Chippendale screen door too. Beechwoods, Allan Greenberg, Architect. Click on the link for more exterior photos.
The View from The Bath Tub
via
Soaking here would be a delight. There's nothing like a nice hot bath in an old tub with a beautiful view from a vintage window. Total privacy overlooking the water is the icing on the cake. I wonder if this is a year-round home or a summer place? Memorial Day weekend is the traditional time for opening up and preparing your summer house for the season. It's all I can do to keep one house in order so I am not jealous one bit. Really! I alternate between having a great outside and a messy inside. Right now my cottage is almost in apple pie order and the outside is calling me. I have to say I am really enjoying spring this year. I think it's because my mower turned over the first time I tried and I never got behind as I usually do, waiting for it to come back from the shop. Have a safe long weekend and I'll see you later. xo
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Covered Open Porch with Balcony Above
I love the lattice work and especially the Chippendale railing. It's still pretty chilly here in New Jersey but outdoor living is just around the corner. Memorial Day seems very early too. via
Wickford Village, Rhode Island Historic District
Wickford is a small American village in the town of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, which is named after Wickford in Essex, England.
Established in 1709, Wickford Village provides picturesque waterfront streets lined with one-of-a-kind shops featuring jewelry, housewares, clothing and more. You’ll also find galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants nestled amongst beautifully maintained churches, colonial homes and gardens. Have a boat? Tie up to the town dock while you explore the village.
Whether it’s stress free holiday shopping or watching the boats go by on the harbor, Wickford offers something for the whole family in every season. Even your dog will enjoy a refreshing drink of water outside the many shops and restaurants in our pet friendly village.
Hmmm. Sounds perfect, doesn't it? I've never been there but it's now on my bucket list.
The Art of The Silversmith
Antique sterling creamer circa 1880.
Yes, please, I'd like a little cream in my coffee and the creamer in my purse.
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